A Space for All Young People
Every young person deserves to feel welcome, make friends and enjoy new experiences.
As a charity, Wigan Youth Zone gives young people across the borough somewhere to learn new skills, build confidence and try something different.
We want every young person to feel able to take part, whatever their individual needs, that’s why we provide inclusive activities for young people.
From a young person’s first visit, we get to know what will help them feel comfortable and confident. Our youth workers make reasonable adjustments where needed, so young people can enjoy Youth Zone in a way that works for them.
New to Wigan Youth Zone? Find out more about becoming a member.
Making Inclusive Activities Part of Everyday Life
Inclusive activities in Wigan should give every young person the chance to get involved.
At Wigan Youth Zone, inclusion starts before a young person even walks through the door.
We ask parents and carers of young people with additional needs and disabilities to complete our All About Me form. It helps us understand their interests, strengths and anything that could make their visit easier.
This gives our youth workers a better idea of what each young person might need before they arrive. It also helps us create a positive experience from their first visit.
And we know this approach can make a real difference.
Last year, young people with autism visited Wigan Youth Zone 2,525 times. Alongside this, 75% reported improved self-esteem, 73% developed stronger social skills and 71% experienced better mental wellbeing.
Meet Milo, Our Inclusion Coordinator
Milo helps lead our approach to inclusion at Wigan Youth Zone.
He works with young people, families and staff to make sure everyone feels welcome from their first visit onwards. Milo helps our team understand young people’s needs, adapt activities and create experiences where everyone can get involved.
Hi, I’m Milo, and I’ve been the Inclusion Coordinator since July 2026. I’d already been part of the Wigan Youth Zone team for over a year, working across Wellbeing and Inclusion, and I’m also the lead youth worker for our LGBTQ+ youth group, BYOU.
I really enjoy youth work and know first-hand how difficult it can be growing up and figuring out who you are. I’m neurodivergent myself, so I understand what it’s like to sometimes feel like you don’t quite fit in. The Youth Zone is a place I would have really benefited from as a young person, and I’m proud to help create that space for others.
I’m looking forward to continuing to develop the opportunities we offer and making sure everyone feels welcome at Wigan Youth Zone.
If you have questions about inclusion or want to chat about whether Youth Zone could work for your young person, Milo is happy to help.
How We Make Sessions Inclusive
Inclusion is part of everyday life at Wigan Youth Zone. Young people with additional needs and disabilities can join our regular sessions alongside their peers, with youth workers adapting activities where needed.
We also have The Den, our sensory space, available during regular sessions. For young people who prefer smaller groups or a quieter environment, our Sunday Inclusion Clubs offer another option.
If a young person needs additional help to access sessions, we can talk with parents and carers about what might work. Wigan Youth Zone does not provide 1:1 support, but young people can attend with a personal assistant or carer. Any adults supporting a young person must complete our PA agreement, provide a current DBS check and follow our guidance.
Sunday Inclusion Clubs
Alongside our regular sessions, we run dedicated Inclusion Clubs every Sunday for young people with additional needs and disabilities.
These sessions offer smaller groups, tailored activities and a quieter environment where young people can build confidence, make friends and try new things.
Juniors (Ages 8-11) | 11.30am – 1.30pm | £1.50 includes entry and a meal
Seniors (Ages 12-18) | 4.30pm – 6.30pm | 50p entry
No booking needed – just come along and get involved.
We believe every young person deserves the chance to belong, and we’re proud to make that happen every day.
If you’d like to find out more about inclusion at Wigan Youth Zone, get in touch with Milo today – milo.pratt@wiganyouthzone.org .